some IPA recognition

Here’s a pair from Oskar Blues (Lyons, CO):

DALE’S PALE ALE
6.50%ABV, 65 IBUs
Serving: 12oz can to pint
A: 2 fingers beige head; amber with gorgeous dark golden edges. not too much retention but decent lacing nevertheless.
S: Subtle hoppiness; juicy citrus with a mild honey malt
T: Extremely hoppy and oh so delicious. Wow, pine and grapefruit right off the bat. Malt is very present as a sweetness that’s just enough to call this a balanced pale ale. Fruit esters are pleasantly sweet as well. Ends in a wonderful bitterness, and not a touch of metallic.
M: Light to medium body. All the necessary carbonation. Light residuals throughout the palate.
D: I will most definitely be picking more of these up.
Dale’s – A

GORDON
8.70%ABV, 60IBUs
Serving: 12oz can to tulip
A: Under off-white head lies a gorgeous dark and somewhat hazy amber. Not much retention or lacing, but I’m not deterred.
S: I get metallic hints right away, but they’re softened by juicy citrus hops and sweet fruity esters. There’s something in the back seemingly clinging onto the metal notes. Apple sweetness in there, too.
T: What I expected from the aromas. Great on the balance factor. Sweet malts, berry and other fruits offer some ester goodness. Mildly bitter grapefruit from the hops. My first sip featured an odd floral note that was almost soapy, but that quickly diminished and was never tasted again!
M: Lighter body for a DIPA. Not a whole lot of a syrupy consistency. High carbonation.
D: Highly drinkable for a DIPA. I’d love to have this on tap.
Gordon – B

a great pair

And a seasonal from New Belgium. Their seasonal brews tend to be more colorful than their regular offerings, so I’m always excited to see them on the shelves!

RANGER IPA
6.50%ABV
Serving: 12oz to pint
A: 3 fingers ivory head, frothy and inviting. Pretty clear light amber or dark golden. Amazing retention and gorgeous lacing.
S: Citrust (orange) and other blooming fruitiness. Floral, and then balanced out by a toasted malt.
T/M: Very fruity and citrusy. Really bitter hoppy flavors. Lots of zest, so definitely an emphasis on the fruity esters and bitterness. I know the malt is there, but the hops really dominate the very faint caramel. Flavors just pop from the heavier carbonation. Smooth on the palate, and so enjoyable.
D: I’d love for this to be a regular offering.
Ranger – A

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